Fun Indian Blackbird Facts For Kids

The Indian blackbird is a special type of bird that can only be found in India and Sri Lanka. Its scientific name is Turdus simillimus which comes from its member of thrush within the Turdidae family.

The blackbird was originally considered a subspecies of the Common blackbird (Turdus merula) but it was later on separated and distinguished individually due to its different breeding ground.

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is a bird of about 7.5-7.9 in (19-20 cm) length with distinct bright and broad eyering. It is to be noted that the bird is quite distinguishable depending on its wing formula, the body portion, voice, and egg color from its similar counterpart, which is none other than the Common blackbird (Turdus merula).

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) eats insects as well as fruits. The species' typical choice of habitat includes forests, woodlands, and grasslands with favorable climatic conditions.

If you enjoy reading about birds, we suggest you read about the palm warbler and the Ovenbird too.

Indian Blackbird Interesting Facts

What type of animal is an Indian blackbird?

An Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is a type of bird from the animal kingdom, formerly considered a subspecies of the Common blackbird (Turdus merula) found in many Eurasian countries.

What class of animal does an Indian blackbird belong to?

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) falls under the class of Aves belonging to the Turdidae family of the animal kingdom.

How many Indian blackbirds are there in the world?

The total population count of the Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is estimated to be around 162-400 million or less, which resulted in its Least Concern range of scale in the IUCN red list.

Where does an Indian blackbird live?

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) species is only found in the Indian subcontinent countries of India and Sri Lanka. The bird is usually seen in the ground or flying around in the air.

They also prefer grass and lush vegetation so they can be spotted in those areas, and as for urban regions, they are often seen in low-rise buildings and gardens.

What is an Indian blackbird's habitat?

Quite similar to its former subspecies of the Common blackbird, the Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) prefers to be around a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, hilly areas, and even suburban regions of India and Sri Lanka.

Who do Indian blackbirds live with?

Being a territorial bird during nesting seasons, the Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is usually seen in pairs with its partners and likes to live around human beings for food or any other requirement. They will also join other migratory birds sometimes, only if it is necessary, and try to take the best nesting place for themselves.

This can sometimes lead to loud quarrels amongst themselves.

How long does an Indian blackbird live?

The life expectancy range of the Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is estimated to be around two to three years or even more, depending on the species survival instincts and other natural factors.

How do they reproduce?

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is monogamous, where a pair usually stays together since their courtship, which starts from February. The male sings to attract their chosen partners.

They usually make a fan, raise their tails, and move in a particular order while the female would reciprocate the same gestures by her feathers, neck, and rump.

Once the courtship ends, the breeding cycle begins in spring where the female lays about three to four eggs that are green or brownish in color. The incubation period lasts for 12-14 days after which the chicks hatch and are taken care of by their parents for two to three weeks.

What is their conservation status?

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is considered to be a common sight in India and Sri Lanka with a stable population and a vast breeding ground. As such, it is termed as Least Concern in the IUCN red list among many other birds of the world.

Indian Blackbird Fun Facts

What do Indian blackbirds look like?

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is a type of black-colored bird as its name suggests. It has a striking yellow bill and eyering while the Indian blackbird female has a dark brown or lighter shade of streak on her breast.

As for the Indian blackbird juvenile and younger ones, they look quite similar to an adult female but have a slightly darker streak of brown instead of the lighter shade. Also, the females do not have bright yellow beaks as their male counterparts.

How cute are they?

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) species with their striking dark features and yellow eyering stand out more as sharp birds instead of a cuter type. But, due to the bird's sweet behavioral habits such as its melodious voice and friendly nature, they come off as one of the cutest subspecies of birds in the world.

How do they communicate?

Being some of the most social birds of the world, they communicate through their distinct Indian blackbird call of melodies.

How big is an Indian blackbird?

The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is measured around 7.5-7.9 in (19-20 cm), much smaller than a tawny owl.

How fast can an Indian blackbird fly?

There is no information about the exact amount of strength or speed that it takes to fly, which is why the speed of its flight is currently unknown.

How much does an Indian blackbird weigh?

An Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) weighs about 0.17-0.27 lb (80-125 g), slightly bigger than a golden oriole.

What are the male and female names of the species?

This species of bird has no specific names given to it according to its sex.

What would you call a baby Indian blackbird?

A baby Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) does not have any particular name given to it which is why it is usually referred to as a chick, like many other populations of birds of the world.

What do they eat?

This species of bird is omnivorous in nature which means that they eat small worms, earthworms, insects, spiders, or any other creepers in the ground along with fruits, berries, and nuts lying around in their habitat.

The ones the birds must be aware of are the predatory population of domestic cats, sparrow hawks, and foxes.

Are they dangerous?

No, neither the Indian nor the Eurasian blackbird are dangerous for human beings but can be so if they are threatened or defending their nests during the breeding season as the subspecies of birds are already territorial in nature.

Would they make a good pet?

An Indian or Eurasian blackbird can be a good companion to have with their cheerful nature. But keeping one as a pet would not be a great decision for the bird's world of freedom.

Did you know…

A fun fact about the Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) or Common blackbird is how they have a mysterious aura around their existence which has led to the belief that the bird signifies strong bonds and brings freshness into your life if it pays you a visit.

So, keep your windows open and welcome the bird with open arms for positivity!

Different types of blackbird

There are many different types of blackbirds found around the world, out of which, five species are found in the North American region which includes the Rusty blackbird, red-winged blackbird, Brewer's blackbird, Yellow-headed blackbird, Common blackbird, and the Tricolored blackbird.

The difference in the five birds consists of their difference in appearance, size, shape, and behavior, even if they belong to the same family.

Are blackbirds friendly?

Yes, the Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus) is quite friendly in nature and likes to be around humans.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these golden pheasant facts and Hawaiian honeycreeper facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Indian blackbird coloring pages.